old trafford

‘Even Mother Nature is taking the p***’ – Sunderland fans catches live MOUSE in away end during Man Utd vs Sunderland

OLD TRAFFORD continues to suffer from a rodent infestation after a fan claimed to catch a live MOUSE during the game between Manchester United and Sunderland.

A travelling Black Cats supporter shared a post to social media of them claiming to have been next to someone who caught the rodent while in attendance at the ground for the game.

A person holding a live mouse in a plastic cup at a stadium.

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A Sunderland fan claims to have caught a live mouse while visiting Old Trafford on SaturdayCredit: X/ RejectedBook
A mouse on the pitch during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt.

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Old Trafford has a common problem with mice due to its locationCredit: Getty

The social media post showed a photo of a mouse being held in a tall plastic cup.

It was partnered by a caption which said: “How dirty is Old Trafford??

“Woman behind has just caught a mouse in the away end at Old Trafford

“I’m running out of things I’ve not seen at the match now.”

Other fans also ripped into the stunning pictures on social media, with another fan saying: “No way. Even mother nature is taking the p***.”

SunSport have approached the club for comment.

United emerged with a much-needed 2-0 win against newly-promoted Sunderland thanks to first half goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.

There was also a noteworthy performance from new goalkeeper Senne Lammens in goal as he helped stop the leaks between the sticks with the Red Devil’s first clean sheet of the season.

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Old Trafford is no stranger to hosting unwelcomed guests in the form of mice.

In February of this year one rodent was seen scurrying over the pitch when United took on Ipswich.

Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’

On that occasion a member of staff picked up the mouse before carrying it away.

The mice infestation at the ground was confirmed by hygiene inspectors during a visit to Old Trafford in December.

Mice droppings were found in a food kiosk on the concourse, which prompted a reduction in the hygiene levels at the stadium to drop from four to just TWO stars.

Unfortunately, the source of the rodent problem is believed to come from the location of the stadium itself being between a railway line and a canal.

Following the arrival of minority owners Ineos, United have announced plans to build a new 100,000-seater £2billion stadium which they have dubbed the “Wembley of the North”.

However, last month those plans hit a snag with company owing the land United wanted to build a huge canopy on refusing to budge for less than £400million – way above United’s own estimate of £50m for the lands worth.

Ruben Amorim‘s squad travel to Anfield to face Liverpool after the international break hoping to generate some momentum and pick up consecutive wins for the first time under the Portuguese boss.

Their poor form also saw a United fan refusing to cut his hair until the men’s team win five games in a row celebrate the one-year anniversary of his challenge on October 5.

What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.

The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.

The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.

A capacity of 100,000 is expected.

It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.

The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.

United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.

There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.

However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.

The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.

The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.

Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.

The target is for completion by 2030.

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Man Utd ‘draw up plans for new Old Trafford with controversial feature that fans hated REMOVED’

MANCHESTER UNITED appear to be ditching the controversial canopy from their new Old Trafford stadium plans — after huge land-buying problems left the club stuck.

The giant “umbrella” roof, which caused a storm when it was revealed in March, looks set to be scrapped, according to a report on the Athletic.

Illustration of the proposed 100,000-seat Manchester United stadium and surrounding buildings.

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Manchester United’s original plans for a new stadium included an ‘umbrella’ roofCredit: Foster + Partners
Illustration of a new Manchester United stadium.

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United unveiled ambitious plans for a new £2billion arena earlier this yearCredit: PA
Illustration of a large, futuristic stadium with many people, red escalators, and large screens showing Manchester United players.

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The ambitious plans featured a huge plaza that will be covered by a giant canopy but that has been removed now
Illustration of the interior of Manchester United's proposed new stadium with images of players and fans.

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United promised the new stadium will be the heart of the masterplanCredit: Foster + Partners

The canopy, designed by Sir Norman Foster and championed by club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was supposed to cover fans from the weather and create a stadium like no other.

But talks to buy the land needed to build the massive canopy have hit a brick wall.

The freight company Freightliner owns much of the land United wanted west of Old Trafford — space needed for the new stadium and thousands of homes.

Freightliner are demanding a whopping £400million, way above United’s £50million estimate, according to the report.

The company could move its freight terminal — but only if it gets a big payday.

Because of this, United are scrambling to rethink the whole project.

New drawings are being drawn up without the “vast umbrella,” which Foster once called a stunning feature.

But others loved how the three giant prongs holding the canopy looked like the devil’s trident on the club badge.

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Ratcliffe said back in March the stadium would be a “world icon” — a building everyone would recognise as Manchester United’s home.

He said: “When anybody in the world sees that stadium, they’ll know it’s Manchester United.”

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But with the canopy off the table, the new designs will look more traditional — less flashy, but more practical.

United want to keep the project moving fast and avoid costly delays from the land fight.

The club has asked the government for help with funding for infrastructure around the new stadium.

But six months on, no cash has been confirmed.

Local mayor Andy Burnham said talks with Freightliner were “far from being concluded,” but the city can use compulsory purchase powers if needed.

Freightliner’s UK rail and road operations are about to be bought by French shipping giant CMA CGM — and what that means for United’s land talks is unclear.

United have yet to hire a final stadium architect, with a tender underway.

Foster + Partners, who designed the original canopy, are busy with the new San Siro stadium in Milan but remain favourites.

The stadium was originally budgeted to cost around £2billion — but United’s finances remain tight.

United told fans the stadium designs so far are just “concepts” — with more detailed plans and fan input still to come.

They promised the new stadium will be the “heart of the masterplan” to regenerate the area around Old Trafford.

The saga continues — but for now, the giant canopy that captured imaginations looks set to be just a memory.

Illustration of Manchester United fans celebrating outside the new 100,000 capacity stadium, intended to replace Old Trafford.

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United want the 100,000 capacity ground to become “The Wembley of the North”Credit: Foster + Partners
British architect Norman Foster.

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Lord Norman Foster believes Manchester United’s stadium build is “the project of a lifetime”

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‘Buy average players, you get an average team’ – Man Utd legend says Amorim deserves THREE YEARS to turn it around

BRYAN ROBSON has told Manchester United chiefs to back Ruben Amorim for the long haul and slammed the club’s recent history of signing flops.

The United legend says the revolving door of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 has wrecked any chance of stability, and insists under-fire former Sporting Lisbon boss must be given at least THREE years to fix the mess.

Bryan Robson at the Manchester United Foundation charity match.

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Robson moved to United for a British record transfer fee of £1.5 million in 1981Credit: Getty
Manchester United's Portuguese head coach, Ruben Amorim, gestures on the touchline.

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Robson has backed Amorim to get things right at UnitedCredit: AFP
Manchester United manager and player on the sidelines.

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Manchester United stars are under-performing despite Amorim being in charge for the last eight monthsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Speaking to The Telegraph, Robson said: “We’ve changed managers that many times since 2013.

“I feel you have to stick and say, ‘No, we are not sacking the manager. We are not blaming.’

“When you have a little bit of money and the club are going to allow you to change your squad, you need three years to get the team right.

“For me, three years at Manchester United should be enough.”

Amorim, 40, has had a disastrous start to life as United boss, winning just eight of his first 31 games.

But Robson is urging the board to give him more time, despite fans on social media calling for his sacking.

Robson didn’t hold back when reflecting on the transfer blunders of the Ed Woodward era, suggesting too many signings simply weren’t up to scratch.

He fumed: “Look at the money we spend. It’s up to you to go around the world and get top players who are going to improve you.”

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“I think five years ago some of the players we bought were just not good enough to be Manchester United players. It’s an accumulation of that.”

And Robbo, who captained United through some of their most hard-fought years, believes the club lost its way by ignoring experienced Premier League stars in favour of flashy foreign names.

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“The other thing I think we went away from is getting good, experienced Premier League players.

“So when they get to 28, you bring them on board if you can. There have been loads of players who have left clubs.”

And his message to United’s decision-makers couldn’t be clearer.

He added: “When I was in management, I believed that if you bought average players, you got an average team.”

United will get a chance to bounce back from their derby defeat to Manchester City last weekend when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.

Photo of Ed Woodward, Manchester United's former executive vice-chairman.

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Robson also called out the signnings under Ed WoodwardCredit: AFP

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How a ‘chat’ turned St Helens from Super League also-rans into contenders

MARK Percival believes St Helens are proving talk is not always cheap, especially when it comes from within.

For a frank discussion is proving the moment their season turned a corner.

Mark Percival of St Helens rugby team during a match.

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Mark Percival has reveled how a ‘chat’ helped spark St Helens’ season as they aim for the Super League titleCredit: SWPIX.COM

Just over three months ago, boss Paul Wellens was getting all kinds of stick as the former four-time Super League and World Club champions floundered.

Now after nine wins in 11 matches, Saints are firmly in the race for a top three finish and defeating rivals Wigan tonight would put them in contention for second.

And centre Percival can pinpoint the moment the tide started to turn – and the real St Helens started showing up.

He said: “About 12 weeks ago, we all had a good sit down – I think it was after the Warrington game – and a chat.

“I’ve been part of this club for 12 years and I’d not had a chat like that for a long time. It wasn’t nice at the time, a lot of honest things were said.

“But I think it really did turn the corner for us. Since then, everyone’s bought into what we want to do.

“Everyone knows St Helens as a club – we play tough but also play smart. We lost that a bit. We were trying to beat teams by going out there and expecting it to happen.

“We wanted it easy at the time but over the last 12 weeks, we’ve relearned how hard it is.

“We beat Wakefield by a few points but everyone said it was harder than it seems. That’s because we were putting in the effort we were supposed to.

“And you feel for the coach sometimes when they’re copping the stick. It was to do with us on the field if I’m honest. We had a good enough team out there, but we weren’t performing.”

Rugby player running with the ball, being tackled.

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Percival and Saints have come good in recent weeksCredit: SWPIX.COM

St Helens and Wigan would be a fierce derby if they were playing tiddlywinks, never mind rugby league.

Throw in competition for England places against Australia and you have even more reason to perform, especially at centre.

As well as Percival, you have Saints’ Harry Robertson and Wigan’s Jake Warde battling it out as the 31-year-old admits one of those roles is taken if Herbie Farnworth is fit.

He added: “There are a lot of good players in my position. Harry, myself and Jake out there tonight.

“I know what I can do but I see the likes of Herbie and Jake as absolutely brilliant players. No-one’s getting in over Herbie, he’s probably the best centre in the world.

Rugby player kicking a ball during a St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants match.

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Centre Percival admits he is behind Herbie Farnworth in the England reckoningCredit: SWPIX.COM

“And I hope he’s fit for England’s sake.

“Harry’s superb and it’s kept me on my toes as we’ve players coming up who are athletic, strong, brilliant.

“Every club has a transition period. A few years ago, we had all that success but you lose players who won all that.

“Now we’re trying to build that team again and over the next few years, with the young lads we’ve got, it can get back to that as they’ve the ability to do it.”

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Man Utd fans convinced Jose Mourinho could replace Ruben Amorim as interview from last season goes viral

MANCHESTER United fans and neutrals alike have revisited a video of Jose Mourinho from last year as evidence that he could be on his way back to Old Trafford.

The tongue-in-cheek comments about a return on social media come off the back of the Red Devils’ embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two outfit Grimsby on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho at a soccer match.

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Jose Mourinho has been linked with a return to Manchester United after comments he made last yearCredit: AFP
José Mourinho at a press conference, saying "That doesn't play".

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He told the press that he would be interested in moving to a bottom half Premier League teamCredit: X / BBCMOTD
José Mourinho at a press conference.

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The 62-year-old legend currently manages Fenerbahce in TurkeyCredit: X / BBCMOTD
Jose Mourinho at a press conference.

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Mourinho previously spent two years managing UtdCredit: X / BBCMOTD

The iconic manager made comments last October hinting that he would be open to a return to a bottom-half Premier League side, after his Fenerbahce side secured a draw in the Europa League AGAINST Man Utd.

He told the press: “The best thing I have to do is – when I leave Fenerbahce – I go to a club that doesn’t play Uefa competitions.

“So if any club in England, from the bottom of the table, needs coach in two years – I am ready to go.

Fans across the English game this window have jumped on the bandwagon, with Leeds, West Ham, Wolves and Utd fans all linking themselves to the manager through the video on social media.

One United fan succinctly commented on the post: “So Mourinho is going back to Man Utd, innit?”

Fans are split on the Portuguese, who already spent two years at the helm at Old Trafford between 2016-18, but at least some of the Red Devils faithful would be open to the move.

Speaking on the players, one X user commented: “None of them can manage the pressure and the culture of winning. We just need Jose Mourinho back.”

Fans of other clubs have also been circling around the old clip as it circulates on X.

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One Leeds fan commented:” “I don’t care if he got us relegated, this needs to happen.”

A Hammers fan added: “Feel like Mourinho and West Ham would be pure entertainment. Let it happen, fate.”

Crazy moment Jose Mourinho pinches Galatasaray manager’s NOSE before he falls to ground sparking chaos

Man Utd ratings v Grimsby

MANCHESTER UNITED are at rock bottom after the biggest cup upset saw the club crash out of the Carabao Cup second-round to League Two Grimsby Town on penalties.

Ruben Amorim’s United lost to a four-tier side for the first time ever.

The home fans sang “you’re getting sacked in the morning” to Amorim throughout and you can’t help but wonder if they’re right.

Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated United’s flops at Blundell Park.

The beloved maverick was even linked with the Nottingham Forest job last week after news emerged of Nuno Espirito Santo‘s falling out with the club.

The 62-year-old’s CV includes spells at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, becoming one of the sport’s most successful managers.

He is currently causing his signature chaos as manager of Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

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First pic of Man Utd’s new-look Old Trafford VIP stand emerges after fan backlash and protests

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…

December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford

January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington 

January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO 

February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed 

February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added

March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move

March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football

March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford

March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December

April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled 

April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director 

April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness

May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof

May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy 

May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket

May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed

May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result

June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground 

June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office

June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team

July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation

July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026

July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment 

July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  

July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125

July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie

August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window 

August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet

October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson

October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled 

October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches

October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m

November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause 

November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim 

November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings 

November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association

December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” 

December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66

December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director

December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher

December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth

December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars

December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity

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Man Utd legend Jonny Evans on verge of new job just days after retirement with Prem winner offered influential role

JONNY EVANS is reportedly on the verge of securing a new job with Manchester United following his retirement.

The 37-year-old called time on his playing career last month and made his final competitive appearance for United on the last day of the Premier League season.

Jonny Evans of Manchester United applauding fans.

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Jonny Evans is set to accept a new staff role at Man UtdCredit: Reuters

Although Evans will no longer have an influence on the pitch, he is now expected to be given a new role behind the scenes.

The Athletic reports that Man Utd want to retain the ex-defender following the expiry of his contract.

Evans’ new staff role will see him put in charge of loan deals for emerging talents.

The United hierarchy were impressed with his influence off the pitch during his time as a player.

He regularly offered advice to young players and taught them about United’s heritage.

Evans also spoke passionately about staff members losing their jobs in the first round of redundancies last summer during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

The former Northern Ireland international made 241 appearances for Man Utd across two spells.

He first spent 11 years at the club between 2004 and 2015 before joining West Brom.

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Evans returned to Old Trafford in a free transfer two years ago and made 43 appearances.

Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof were among the players to leave Man Utd at the end of the season after being denied new contracts.

Third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been offered a one-year extension.

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